Sophia Smith is loving the “teaching” of Emma Hayes as she embraces a new role for the USWNT, with the 22-goal star becoming a fearsome No.9.
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Portland Thorns star shining for her countryChallenged to get in goal-scoring positionsHappy to tinker with role in Olympic medal bidWHAT HAPPENED?
The 23-year-old, who plies her club trade for NWSL side the Portland Thorns, has forged a successful career while operating as a hard-working forward that is prepared to drop deep and wide when required. She is now being charged with the task of staying central and bossing the penalty area.
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That is a challenge that Smith is prepared to take on as the United States look to chase down gold medal glory at the 2024 Olympic Games. She has told : “Emma’s biggest goal for me is playing in this No.9 position. I tend to shift away from the box, but it’s about getting me to stay in the box and get those tap-in goals – the ones I tend to score. She wants me to be that No.9 that’s in those areas and putting away finishes here and there. She’s always teaching us so many things. We absolutely love Emma.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
That feeling is mutual, with Hayes saying of inheriting a squad that includes players of huge potential – with Smith very much part of that pack: “I love Soph to bits. She’s my type of player. She does so much for the team. She gives everything. She’s having to learn as a No.9, when to hold [her position], when to stretch, when to come short. Coaching her is so much fun because she absorbs what you say.”
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The USWNT have taken maximum points from their opening two games at the Olympic Games, with Zambia and Germany seen off in the group stage. Smith scored two of their four goals against the Germans, with progress already secured into the quarter-finals.